Industry

SEMA Accepting Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Applications

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.07.2021) – SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at www.sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is available to employees of SEMA-member companies.

Current students and recent graduates who are paying off student loans may now apply for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry.

“It’s no secret that this past year has had its challenges. Now more than ever, SEMA is available to help support future industry innovators by providing financial assistance to current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “There are thousands of talented, hard-working individuals seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA Scholarship is designed to support this next generation and allow them to focus on their studies and work, rather than be burdened with tuition costs. The Loan Forgiveness program is intended to provide financial assistance to employees of SEMA member companies with outstanding student loans.”

Awards of up to $5,000 are available to qualified individuals. Complete details and the online application are available until March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

For more information, contact SEMA Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.

Oracle Lighting Promotes Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to National Sales Manager

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METAIRIE, LA (01.06.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the promotion of Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to national sales manager. Parker-Boudreaux will be responsible for leading Oracle Lighting’s inside and outside sales teams and managing upper-level distribution accounts.

“We are pleased to welcome Melissa to her new position and look forward to her success in guiding our continued growth as we close out another record-setting year,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO of Oracle Lighting. “Pairing her dedicated experience with the company and our focus on innovation, we are confident that this positioning will be an integral part of reaching the ambitious goals we have set for our future.”

Melissa Parker-Boudreaux

Parker-Boudreaux recently celebrated 10 years with ORACLE Lighting, during which she rose through administrative and supervisory sales roles.

“Moving into this new position, I see a tremendous opportunity to continue growing key markets and look forward to building higher-quality relationships with current and future customers,” said Parker-Boudreaux. “Supporting our internal team and external representatives, I will focus on driving revenue growth as well as promoting brand awareness and improving the overall customer experience.”

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

DS18 Introduces the New EN6SLIM Speaker Enclosure

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.06.21) – Versatility at its best, the DS18 EN6SLIM 6.5” weatherproof speaker enclosures can be mounted to any hard surface! The options are virtually unlimited!

Need more speakers in a vehicle? How about multiple speakers for an outside patio or inside home entertainment system? The new EN6SLIM slim speakers with enclosures are small, weatherproof, and can be easily mounted just about anywhere people want some extra sound… or can be easily be used as your main stage of sound.

The EN6SLIM models are available in white or black and both come with RGB lighting to set the mood. The speakers are 4 ohm voice coils and take 25 watts RMS each which will undoubtable produce high fidelity sound for listeners when ever and where ever needed.

Visit ds18.com for more.

Accele Electronics Intros Aftermarket’s Largest Flipdown HD Monitor

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (01.05.2021) – Accele Electronics has announced a new flagship to their industry leading array of Rear Seat Entertainment solutions for Expeditors, Van Converters and 12 Volt Specialists. The Accele AXFA22HDMI 22” Flipdown DVD Monitor is the industry’s largest HD Monitor featuring both HDMI and DVD built-in. Installers will welcome that it’s enclosed in an attractive slim housing to integrate nicely in vehicle’s interiors. Passengers will have access to all their media in one device and will no longer ask, “Are We There Yet?”

 The AXFA22HDMI is not just large, it’s loaded with functionality and a “stunning” 1080P HD LCD Panel that will captivate viewers in any video format. The slot loading DVD player is compatible with all popular formats and all functions are accessible from the included wireless remote control.

These products join Accele’s already formidable lineup of Rear Seat Entertainment products including the VOD10 Video On Demand system with WiFi and Dual 10” Monitors and the DVD9850 with Built In Multimedia Player and High Res 9” Screen, both designed for quick back of seat installation without interfering with existing Passenger Restraint Systems. Accele has a complete lineup of Video solutions and accessories for Commercial, Industrial and Passenger vehicle use. 

 The AXFA22HDMI will be available January 12th pre-orders are currently being taken, contact your Accele Sales Representative.

Visit the new www.accele.com for more. 

Volkswagen Creates a Robot for Charging EVs

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This article was written by Joseph Szczesny for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (01.05.2021) – Carmakers are scrambling to get electric vehicles out to consumers.

They are also working on simple solutions to deal with one of the drags on EV sales – keeping them charged. Volkswagen Group has developed a robot charger that moves from vehicle to vehicle to perform that exact task.

Volkswagen unveiled the prototype, which looks like a cross between metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars, this week. Describing it as a possible concept that could be used to expand the charging infrastructure, which is still inadequate in most parts of the world. Auto executives from a variety of companies have said they believe expanding the charging infrastructure is a critical factor in boosting sales of EVs.

Volkswagen developed a robot that can pull a mobile charging station and “juice up” an EV.

“A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

Volkswagen executives suggest the charging robot could operate in parking garages or other defined areas where vehicles are parked regularly.

VW’s prototype robot looks like a cross between a metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars.

The robot operates autonomously, and it is activated by a smart phone. It finds the vehicle needing a charge and communicates with it, opening the charging socket flap to connect the plug and decouple it when charging is complete.

The robot also can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously by hauling a portable charger or chargers to each vehicle from a central station. When the charging is completed, the robot tows the portable chargers back to the central station.

Click here to read the full article on TheDetroitBureau.com

Sound FX Acquires Get Frogged Customs to Enhance Its Dealership Services

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LEWES, DE (01.04.2021) – Sound FX Automotive has acquired Get Frogged Customs, a vehicle customization sales and service center in Millsboro. The acquisition allows Sound FX to grow its dealership services division and expand its market share throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

As part of the acquisition, Sound FX will continue to service existing Get Frogged Customs clients and dealerships under the Sound FX brand. The assets of Get Frogged Customs will transfer to the Sound FX facilities in Lewes and Bridgeville, Del., and its associates will be welcomed into the Sound FX family.

Brian Layton, president of Sound FX

Founded in 1992, Sound FX has grown from an aftermarket mobile electronics retailer to two full-service vehicle personalization facilities employing more than 45 dedicated staff members. The company targets customer and client needs with divisions that specialize in dealership fulfillment, commercial upfitting, law enforcement support, vehicle styling through its TomKat GraFX brand, and premium vehicle customization through its Musaic brand.

Started by the Preston Automotive Group, Get Frogged Customs opened in 2017 and quickly tapped into the demand for vehicle personalization in Millsboro and surrounding communities. Focusing on the dealership group’s customers as well as local consumers, its offerings included car electronics, style enhancement, commercial utility and performance products. With the acquisition, the Get Frogged Customs facility will be renovated and reincorporated into the dealership group as Millsboro Jeep.

“We are extremely pleased to complete the acquisition,” said Brian Layton, president of Sound FX. “Like Sound FX, Get Frogged Customs was built on the idea that vehicle owners can experience a complete driving experience through personalization. We anticipate a smooth integration as both companies offer similar services throughout the area, and we are happy to keep their staff of four hardworking individuals employed, especially during these uncertain times. The goal of myself and our team is to build on the success the company generated and welcome its customers into the Sound FX family.”

“I am excited about the Get Frogged Customs merger with Sound FX,” said David Wilson Jr., president and CEO of Preston Automotive Group. “With two convenient locations in Bridgeville and Lewes, Brian Layton and his team can serve our Preston Automotive Group customers. I have always been impressed with Sound FX’s commitment to superior customer service and follow up. Under Brian’s leadership, I know our customers will receive great service and selection.”

For more information, call (800) 454-AUDIO or visit sound-fx.net.

Voltz Auto Sports Highlights Santa’s Sleigh

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BRIDGEPORT, CT (01.04.2021) – On Christmas Eve, Santa is known to travel the globe to deliver Christmas presents in his Sleigh.

Juan Zambrano, with his Santa suit on, highlighted that annual event with a decked red RAM1500 pick up truck in a social media video post.

Click the play button below to view the video on this page:

After an opening Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas Santa Juan spotlighted upgrades to Santa’s Ram 1500. Sturdy Westin running boards were added to make it easier for Santa get in and out of his sleigh with all the Christmas Eve stops to deliver presents. An Extang Tonneau cover was added over the sleigh’s bed to keep all the presents safe and dry if snow was on the air.

Santa Juan concluded the Christmas video with his signature social media “Volts Truck com.”

Juan Zambrano, always having fun, pictured from a 2019 social media post where he won a cup for the ugliest sweater.

“It was a very strange year 2020. Overall we had a strong sales. My showroom now looks like a warehouse as I ordered product every time I heard a supplier had inventory to ship.”

Continuing, Zambrano stated “Going forward in 2021 is certainly going to be different. There is no in-person CES, we are not sure about area distributor shows and reps are not traveling. How to see new products in 2021 is a big question.”

Voltz Trucks and More, celebrating 19 years, specializes in truck accessories, remote start, custom wheels, 12volt audio products and lighting at the Bridgeport, CT location.

Visit voltzautosports.com for more.

New Dash Kits for Hyundai Venue and Ford Transit Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

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HOLLY HILL, FL (12.31.2020) – Metra Electronics has two new dash kits for the new Hyundai Venue and 2020 Ford Transit models. Metra’s 95-7398 dash kit for 2020-up* Hyundai Venue models fits an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and is painted scratch-resistant matte black with silver trim to match the factory look and feel.

95-7398

The 107-FD1B fits the 2020 Ford Transit, excluding models with the factory radio delete option. This dash kit is designed for Double-DIN radios that have an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. This includes Pioneer’s 6.8-inch modular receivers and installers should refer to the radio manufacturer for current models. The 107-FD1B is painted scratch-resistant matte black.

107-FD1B

Both of these news dash kits are now shipping from Metra Electronics.

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

Design Engineering’s Big Plans Require a Bigger Facility

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AVON LAKE, OHIO (12.30.2020) – Even in a pandemic, Design Engineering Inc. continues to grow.
The heat and sound management products company is entering Phase Two of a long-term, three-phase expansion project that will increase capacity at its Avon Lake headquarters facility.

“This expansion will allow DEI to expand our manufacturing, assembly and warehouse capabilities, and grow our R&D department,” says Dave Ramirez, VP of operations. “With this second addition, the added space will allow us to consolidate remote facilities all under one roof.”

Phase One occurred in 2013, when DEI completed a 12,000-square foot addition that more than doubled its prior warehouse space. Phase two of a three phase plan will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the current facility, bringing the total square footage to 35,000.

The additional space will allow DEI—which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020—to continue to build on its impressive lineup of heat and sound control products for the automotive, racing, powersports, 12-volt audio, industrial, marine and related markets.

Manufacturing and R&D will be enhanced with the addition of a water jet cutter, as well as other new equipment and process improvements.

For more information about Design Engineering, Inc. and its innovative product lineup, visit www.designengineering.com.